Villanova keeps doing the work of a defending National Champion. Jason Hart is playing like more than a Preseason Big East Player of the Year, he’s playing like a National Player of the Year candidate.
- Villanova (10-0) – Villanova was tested twice this week. In their Big 5 match up against LaSalle, the Explorers pushed the Wildcats to the limits. Late in the game, Villanova saw their lead cut to four before they stretched it out and eventually won by 10. Notre Dame jumped out to an eleven point lead but they saw the resolve of the Wildcats as Josh Hart led the defending champs back from the double digit deficit. Hart finished with 37 in their 74-66 win over the Irish.
- Duke(10-1) – Here comes Duke. A win over Florida and a blowout of UNLV has the Blue Devils jumping on the poll. In the neutral court win over the Gators, freshman Jayson Tatum scored 22 points and grabbed 8 rebounds while Amile Jefferson posted a double-double (24 points, 15 rebounds). The UNLV game saw Grayson Allen play like Grayson Allen. He erupted for 34 points including a YouTube sensation type dunk.
- UCLA (10-0) – UCLA had an impressive win over Michigan especially when there was a possibility of a letdown after the Kentucky win. In their 102-84 win over the Wolverines, the Bruins were led by a pair of freshman. TJ Leaf scored 21 points and grabbed 8 rebounds while Lonzo Ball chipped in with 19 points and 7 rebounds.
- Kansas (8-1) – The Jayhawks continue to mow through the uneventful portion of their schedule. Kansas destroyed UMKC 105-62 and then followed it up with a win against former conference foe, Nebraska.
- Baylor (8-0) – The Bears could no longer be held out of the Power 5. Baylor already has early season wins over Oregon, Michigan State and Louisville. You can now add Xavier to the list. Manu Lecomte had 24 in their 15 point win over the seventh ranked team.
